Spoiler Alert! Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 16 – “In The Rubble”

In a surprising twist, Chicago Fire may have just written out fan-favorite Kylie Estevez following the latest update at Firehouse 51. This follows a series of significant personnel changes within the firehouse, marking another loss in an already tumultuous few seasons for the team. While Firehouse 51 has faced its fair share of departures, season 13 seemed to stabilize the cast — until now.

The latest shake-up arrives with the unexpected return of Jack Damon, Benny Severide’s secret son. Damon, who had previously been fired due to poor decisions and rebellious actions, is brought back by Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, who convince Chief Pascal to give him another chance. This decision shifts the dynamics at Firehouse 51, particularly for Kylie, who now finds herself without a place in the crew.

Kylie had been introduced in season 8 and recently joined Christopher Herrmann’s team. She had some notable backstory, particularly her connection with Kidd through the Girls On Fire program, but her character seemed to struggle with finding a solid, consistent role in the team. Even though her spot was somewhat secured after Chief Pascal fired Damon earlier in the season, with Kidd seeking Kylie as a replacement for Damon, the show never fully committed to making her a permanent fixture. This has left Kylie in a limbo state, often missing from episodes or only appearing sporadically.

Now, with Jack Damon reinstated and placed in Firehouse 51, Kylie’s position is officially jeopardized. This development means that Kylie no longer has a spot, as Damon’s return takes priority. Given that Kylie’s character has always been a recurring presence and never truly a series regular, her departure makes sense in the broader narrative of the show. Damon, on the other hand, brings a fresh dynamic to the story. Not only is he Severide’s brother, adding a new layer to the familial drama, but he also has a budding romance with Lizzie Novak, which opens up new storytelling opportunities for the series.

While the decision to keep Damon over Kylie may not have been a direct competition, it’s clear that the show sees more potential in his character. Damon’s backstory, his connection to Severide, and his growing relationship with Novak offer fresh material for the writers to explore, especially in a season that has already seen several emotional and complicated relationships develop. This fresh dynamic is something the series has yet to explore with any other characters, and it adds an exciting layer to the show’s long-running formula.

As for Kylie, her absence may not be permanent, and there is always a chance she could make a return. Her ties to Firehouse 51, especially with Kidd and the others, are strong enough that her occasional appearances could still happen, whether it’s through brief cameos or a return to her original team. However, without a concrete storyline or a prominent role on the team, it’s unclear how Kylie would fit into the ongoing narrative moving forward.

Overall, the decision to focus on Jack Damon instead of Kylie signals a shift in priorities for the show. Despite Kylie’s underutilization in the past, there’s still potential for her to return, but for now, it seems that her place at Firehouse 51 has been lost to the promising return of Benny Severide’s son.